General Information
Cumin seeds are the seeds of an ancient plant which historically was grown and used in Egypt and the Middle East. The cumin plant usually grows between 30 to 50 cm tall and has a green stem and white or pink flowers. Its seeds have an oblong shape and are yellow-brown. Based on shading, amount of oil, and flavour, cumin seeds are categorized in three main sorts of Iranian, Indian and South Asian, and Middle Eastern. Today, cumin is mostly cultivated in India, Northern Africa, Mexico, Chile, and China.
Health Benefits
Cumin has many health benefits. It contains protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Thanks to these nutrients, cumin can improve blood sugar control, promote digestion, aid in weight loss, and boost the memory. It is nontoxic and widely considered to be highly safe.
Delicious Ways to Use Ground Cumin
Ground Cumin has a warm, earthy, spicy, peppery flavour. It is very popular when mixed with other herbs and spices such as: turmeric, thyme, cinnamon, red pepper, and oregano. Ground Cumin is widely used in cuisines from Latin America, Middle East, North Africa, and India. It can even be added to many everyday dishes such as soups, stews, meats and vegetables.
Storage
Ground cumin should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. In an airtight container that does not allow moisture in. This way, ground cumin can be stored for up to 6 months without losing its quality. You can store ground cumin in the refrigerator which will keep it fresh for a longer period. Keep in mind, spices that are stored longer than 6 months tend to lose a bit of their original flavour over time.
